So normally I rant on and on about some silly strategy or what cards you should be keeping an eye on but this week I want to get emotional. On Christmas Eve my mother was explaining to my aunts the kind of turnout my game store has for Pokemon events, “Over 90 kids! All older than 16!”. My aunt replied with a statement like “Over cards? Pokamons are still popular?!”. I stepped in and explained to her my draw to the game. I tried to explain what a meta-game was and how the fun of playing competitively and matching wits is challenge. The more I think about it, it is only a small draw that comes from that competitive high. The bigger draw for me is the nostalgia. There is an eight year old Vinnie inside me that still jumps around when I now pull a full art card. He still gets nervous in the thrill of the heat of a Pokemon battle. He still would trade any non-holo for a holo because shiny cards are better. At the end I’m going to post a link to an article by Steve Bogda where he talks about pulling his first Charizard and completing his Pokemon set. It's amusing and comforting to know I’m not the only one hanging onto this kind of nostalgia.

If you’ve read this and have no idea what I’m talking about one day you will. One day after you’ve quit the video game or solemnly sworn to never buy another pack it will hit you. You will stumble across your old cards or see a commercial for the newest game and every great feeling that you’ve had about Pokemon will come back. If anything I suppose the lesson to be learned is enjoy it while it is in front of you because eventually, no one wants to trade for your stupid foil Wigglytuffs.

It's Super Effective, the Pokémon Podcast

It's Super Effective is a weekly Pokémon podcast that you can find on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Soundcloud. Get all your Pokemon 'Ultra Sun' and Pokemon Ultra Moon' coverage! Pokemon podcast covers 'Pokemon GO' and the 'Pokemon TCG' too. We provide the latest news for all things Pokémon on both the web and in podcast form! It's Super Effective is the highest rated podcast in iTunes.